Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland - Tauranga [L}
Departing Auckland in the morning you will travel south towards New Zealand's favorite summer destination - the Bay of Plenty. Along the way you will
visit Paeroa, famous for its L&P drink, the scenic Karangahake Gorge, the gold mining region of Waihi and the mural town of Katikati. Lunch will be taken at one of the Bay of Plentys best
lodges.
Option: Fly by helicopter to White Island - an active marine volcano.
We stop at a scenic lookout for great views of the harbour, before trying some great local wine
at the award winning Mills Reef Winery.
Arriving in Tauranga, you will go on a tour of The Elms – Tauranga's former Mission Station, before checking in at the Oceanside Resort, located
across from Mount Maunganui's famous ocean beach. The evening is free for you to enjoy.
Accommodation: Oceanside Resort
Day 2: Tauranga - Rotorua [B, L & D]
We make
an early start to Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of the world. Take a fascinating tour around the orchard to learn about this amazing fruit. Then to Longridge Fun Park for morning tea.
Option: There is time if you wish to take a thrilling jet boat ride along the Kaituna River.
Our next stop is the geothermal region of Rotorua. Steaming hot water geysers, boiling mud
pools and monuments of the Maori culture are to be found all over the city. You will visit a thermal village and enjoy lunch at a historic venue in the Government Gardens. The afternoon can be
spent in one of the hot spas, trout fishing on Lake Rotorua or just looking through the many art and crafts shops. In the evening you will be taken for a scenic flight over Rotorua in a float
plane, landing close to your special dinner venue.
Accommodation: Novotel Lakeside Rotorua
Day 3: Rotorua – Waitomo – Auckland [B & L]
The morning will be spent in
Rotorua. See New Zealand's iconic kiwi bird, plus many other native birds in a tropical setting. We take the gondola up Mount Ngongotaha and enjoy morning tea overlooking Lake Rotorua. Following
a farm show at the Agrodome we will leave Rotorua, crossing the Waikato farming district to Waitomo, to see the fascinating Waitomo glowworm caves, before heading back to Auckland.
B, L & D in brackets show which meals are included each day. |
